Latest News

His season will end officially tonight, but Leafs forward Brad May still has a little hockey business to take care of this spring.

May will work as an in-studio analyst for TSN's extensive playoff coverage beginning next week. The veteran, who was acquired by the Leafs in a mid-season trade with Anaheim, should have an easy enough transition to the small screen, given his knowledge of players in the league and his easygoing personality.

"I think it's great, I'm looking forward to it," May said following yesterday's practice at Lakeshore Lions Arena. "They want a couple of players that could add some perspective because they've played against a lot of the players they will be talking about."

May played in his 1,000th career game on Wednesday. He stressed that he hopes his playing days aren't done, but he is looking forward to talking hockey during the most exciting time of the season.

Rookie warning

Leafs coach Ron Wilson said one of his priorities for next season will be to keep his second-year players from struggling.

Wilson doesn't believe in the so-called "sophomore jinx" but feels some players fall into a false sense of comfort if they have some success in their freshman campaign.

"What happens is these guys will think they've made it, they've achieved their dream and in the summer time they don't do a damn thing," Wilson said. "Then they come to training camp out of shape and not prepared mentally to play. That's pretty standard throughout the league.

"Usually your head gets too big and all your buddies at home tell you: 'It's great to see you play in the NHL.'

"The whole key for us is (that) these guys buy into the summer program we are running for them and come in in better shape and not let any of them think they had great years."

Loose Leafs

The club's practice session yesterday was expected to be the final one at Lakeshore Lions Arena, the team's alternate practice facility for the past nine years. The team's nearby state-of-the-art home is expected to be ready next fall ...Recently signed rookie Christian Hanson will return to South Bend, Ind., at season's end to finish off his degree at Notre Dame University ... Former Sens goaltender Martin Gerber will get a chance to face his former team tonight. Wilson started Curtis Joseph the previous time the two teams met in Ottawa ... It also will be the first meeting between the provincial rivals since Wilson caused a stir by having Sens forward Jason Spezza nailed for using an illegal stick.